Conservative Friends of Education

The Chalkboard

The voice for conservatism in UK education. We advocate for traditional values, academic rigour, and educational freedom.

Why 37% of Young Brits Support Dictatorship: The Alarming Impact of Education on Political Views in the UK
Education Policy

Why 37% of Young Brits Support Dictatorship: The Alarming Impact of Education on Political Views in the UK

A growing number of young Britons are expressing support for authoritarian regimes over democracy — a trend raising serious concerns about the ideological influence of the UK education system.

Lowering the Voting Age to 16: Democratic Reform or Dangerous Gimmick?
Education Policy

Lowering the Voting Age to 16: Democratic Reform or Dangerous Gimmick?

Explore a provocative argument against reducing the voting age to 16 in the UK. Does it strengthen democracy or risk political manipulation and uninformed decision-making?

National Curriculum Review 2024: Key Issues and Potential Reforms
Education Reform

National Curriculum Review 2024: Key Issues and Potential Reforms

The interim report on the 2024 National Curriculum Review raises major concerns about consultation, teacher shortages, and the future of education policy.

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Education Policy

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill promises safeguarding but delivers a wrecking ball to Britain’s educational diversity. This legislation threatens parental autonomy and cultural heritage.

“Educational vandalism” or a Bill to, “Better protect children and raise standards in education”?
Education Reform

“Educational vandalism” or a Bill to, “Better protect children and raise standards in education”?

A critical analysis of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools’ Bill 2025 by Tim Clark, exploring its impact on education reform, child safety, teacher recruitment, and the future of academies in the UK.

Stop Labour’s Educational Vandalism: Protect Excellence and Freedom in Education
Education Policy

Stop Labour’s Educational Vandalism: Protect Excellence and Freedom in Education

Labour’s educational policies risk undoing decades of progress in Britain’s schools. By undermining academic excellence, imposing ideological curricula, and threatening school autonomy, these changes jeopardize the future of our children.

Doubling of Primary School Exclusions in the UK: A Call for Action
Education Policy

Doubling of Primary School Exclusions in the UK: A Call for Action

Recent data highlights a worrying surge in primary school exclusions, which have doubled since the pandemic. Permanent exclusions have risen by 44%, while suspensions have jumped 36%.

Room for Improvement: Assessing Bridget Phillipson’s First Major Speech to the Teaching Profession
Education Reform

Room for Improvement: Assessing Bridget Phillipson’s First Major Speech to the Teaching Profession

A detailed analysis of Bridget Phillipson’s first major speech to the teaching profession, discussing key themes on teacher recruitment, education inequality, and policy priorities.

Labour’s Broken Promise on Tuition Fees: A Teacher’s Perspective on Student Debt and Political Integrity
Education Policy

Labour’s Broken Promise on Tuition Fees: A Teacher’s Perspective on Student Debt and Political Integrity

Labour’s recent shift away from its pledge to scrap tuition fees has left students and educators questioning the party’s commitment to accessible education.

In Support of Jonathan Gullis: The Struggles of Conservatives in Education
Education Policy

In Support of Jonathan Gullis: The Struggles of Conservatives in Education

Jonathan Gullis, a former MP and experienced teacher, has highlighted the growing political bias against Conservatives in the education profession.

Standing with Our Armed Forces: Why We Must Oppose Labour’s VAT Hike on Private Schools
Education Policy

Standing with Our Armed Forces: Why We Must Oppose Labour’s VAT Hike on Private Schools

Labour’s proposed 20% VAT hike on private school fees threatens the stability of military families who rely on private education to provide consistency for their children.

After Targeting Private Schools, Labour Will Set Its Sights on Grammar Schools: We Must Expand Them, Not Abandon Them
Education Reform

After Targeting Private Schools, Labour Will Set Its Sights on Grammar Schools: We Must Expand Them, Not Abandon Them

Labour’s VAT on private schools is only the start. Grammar schools could be next. Conservatives must expand grammar schools to protect educational excellence.

Education Reform

Scrapping Overall Ofsted Grades: Benefits and Drawbacks

An analysis of the decision to scrap Ofsted’s overall single-phrase grades, examining the potential benefits and drawbacks for schools, parents, and the education system.

Education Reform

Abolishing Ofsted Single Phrase Grades: A Socialist Agenda?

Examining whether the push to abolish Ofsted’s single-phrase grading system is driven by genuine educational improvement or a broader ideological agenda.

Education Policy

Why Didn’t We Leverage Our Track Record in Education During the General Election 2024?

A reflection on why the Conservative Party failed to effectively communicate its strong education record during the 2024 General Election campaign.

Education Reform

Beyond the Classroom: Redefining Success and Productivity for the Next Generation

Exploring how education can better prepare young people for success by redefining what productivity and achievement mean in the modern world.

Education Policy

International Day of Education 2024: The Integral Role of Prevent and British Values in Education

On International Day of Education 2024, examining the crucial role that Prevent and British Values play in safeguarding and enriching the UK education system.